Latch mechanism



Aug. 13, 1957 Filed July 27. 1953 E. B. JACOBSON LATCH MECHANISM 2Sheets-Sheet l v I/IIIII; y, I

1957 E. B. JACOBSON 2,802,684

LATCH MECHANISM Filed July 27, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 I INVENTOR. 5M 6awfiam 446%, 44 r, M My MM w United States Pe O LATCH MECHANISM' EdwinE. Jacobson, Grand Rapids, Mich, assignor t Jervis Corporation,Grandville, Mich, a corporationof Michigan Application July 27, 1953,Serial No. 370,293

Claims. (01. 292-332 This invention relates to a latchmechanism, and itis an object of the invention to provide improved apparatus of thatcharacter.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved latchmechanism which is particularly applicable to use with a hinged door, asealing gasket being provided between such door and a cooperating doorframe of a cabinet. It is to'be understood, however, that the inventionis not limited to such an application.

A iatch mechanism constructed in accordance with the invention has theadvantage, when used in the above outlined application and in variousother applications, that it provides a door closing force (gasketcompressing force) which may be of a desired value, varying onlyslightly with the setting of a cooperating keeper. Thus if the keeper ismounted on the cabinet and the latch mechanism on the door, the keepermay be set close to the door frame or may be set relatively farther awayfrom the door frame over a substantial rangewithout materially affectingthe gasket compressing force of the latch mechanism.

Accordingly, it is another object of the invention to provide animproved latch mechanism which will exert a closing forceof-substantially fixed magnitude when the cooperating keeper is locatedanywhere within a substantial range of positions.

It is another object of the invention to provide '-an*im-' proved latchmechanism which may cock in its released position and which is assuredof cooking at each 'open ing of the cooperating door when thecooperating keeper is located anywhere within a wide range of positions.

It is another object of the invention to provide animproved cockinglatch mechanism which is automatically released upon closing of acooperating door to'hold the door firmly in closed position and which atthesame time operates with a minimum of noise.

it is another object of the invention to provide an improved latchmechanism having the above described characteristics while being rugged,easy to operate, and economical to manufacture. I

This invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof,will best be understood by reference to the following description takenin connection with the accompanying drawings, and itsscopewill-bepointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings, in which like partsare designated by like referencenumerals,

Fig. 1 is a sectional plan view of a latch mechanismapplied to a hingeddoor, the latch mechanism being constructed in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional side view of the same 'latch mec'hanism as shownin Fig. 1; v

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1 but illustrating the latch mechanismin a different operating position; and

Figs. 4, 5, 6, and 7 are views similar to Fig. 1 but illustrating fouradditional embodiments of the invention.

As indicated above, a latch mechanism constructed in- J 2,802,684Patented Aug. 13, 1 957 ice 2 accordance with the present invention hasbroad possibilities of application but is particularly applicable to usewith refrigerators. and freezers wherein a hinged door is provided witha sealing gasket, the latch mechanism being intended to causecompression of the gasket between the door and a cooperating door framewhen the door is in closed position in order to effect a substantiallyairtight seal between .the door and the door frame. The specificembodiment of the invention described herein is shown in such anapplication, but it is to be understood that the invention is in no waylimited to such an application.

In Fig. 1 a latch mechanism 10 is shown mounted on the free edge of ahinged refrigerator door 11, the door 11 cooperating with a door frame12, and a gasket 13 being arranged on the door to efiecta tight sealbetween the door and the door frame. A keeper 14 is shown secured to thedoor frame 12 and extending outwardly therefrom, a keeper roller 15being .rotatably mounted at the end thereof. It will be noted that thekeeper 14 is adjustable laterally of the door frame and inwardly andoutwardly of the door frame by conventional means which donot form apart of the present invention and, hence are not described in detailherein.

The latch mechanism includes a frame 21 which is preferably mountedwithin the door 11 and which may be secured to the door in any suitablemanner.

A latch bolt 22 is pivotally mounted on the, frame 21 through a pin 23.It will be noted that the latch bolt 22 has a slot 24, defined by arm's24a and 24b, for receiving the keeper roller 15. The latch bolt ispivo-table v between a keeper engaging position, illustrated in Fig. 1,and a cocked position, illustrated in Fig, 3,

A'bolt actuator 25 is also pivotally mounted. on the frame 12'through apin 26. A spring 27 is centered around the pin'26, one end of the springengaging a side wall 28 of the frame and the other end of the springengaging a side wall 29 of the bolt actuator 25 Preferably a spacer 30'is. provided around the pin 26 and Within the spring 27, such that acoil spring of substantial size may be employed while still being firmlypositioned about the pin 26.

At the inner end of the bolt actuator 25 (the upper end inFig. 1) thereis provided a cam roller 31 rotatably mounted on the bolt actuatorthrough a pin 32. This cam roller is arranged to ride along cam surfaces33 and 34 on the latch bolt 22, the cam surfaces, in the embodiment ofthe invention now being described, constituting edge portions of thelatch bolt.

The bolt actuator 25 is pivotable between a normal position, see Fig. 1,corresponding to the keeper engaging position of the latch bolt 22, andan energized position, see Fig. 3, corresponding to the cocked positionof the latch bolt. The latter position is referred to as the energizedposition of the actuator since in this position the spring. 27 isstressed more than in the normal position illustrated in Fig. 1.

A link 35 is pivotally connected at one end to the actuator 25 through apin 3'6, and at the other end, which may protrude through the outersurface of the door 11, a slot 37 is provided through which a suitableoperating handle may be connected thereto.

The latch may be released by drawing on the link 35,

ings, is preferably so arranged that a force directed outwardly of therefrigerator is required to release the latch. The same outwardlydirected force draws the door open as the latch bolt 22 rotates in aclockwise direction. At some point in the travel of the cam roller 31along the cam surface 34 the clockwise rotation of the latch bolt 22 issufficient to permit the escape of the keeper roller 15 from the slot 24in the latch bolt, whereupon the latch'is completely free of the keeperand the door may be opened.

With the latch mechanism in the position illustrated in Fig. 3 and withtension on the link 35 released, the spring 27 again urges the actuatorin a counterclockwise direction forcing the cam roller 31 against thecam surface 34. However, the force thus applied to the latch bolt 22 hasno tendency to cause rotation of the latch bolt since the force isnecessarily directed normally to the cam surface and since the camsurface is arranged substantially perpendicular to radii emanating fromthe pivotal axis of the latch bolt. Stated differently, the forceapplied by the cam roller 31 to the cam surface 34 is substantially inline with the pivotal axis of the latchbolt. Accordingly, while theactuator 25 is in its energized position, the spring 27 being stressed,the force applied by the actuator to the bolt is in such a directionthat no torque is transmitted to the bolt and the latch bolt and boltactuator will remain in their respective positions illustrated in Fig. 3until such time as an external force is applied. In other words, thelatch bolt 22 is cocked and will remain in this cocked position until anexternal force disrupts the balance of the applied forces.

When the door is pushed shut the arm 24a strikes the keeper roller 15whereby the latch bolt 22 is caused to rotate in a counterclockwisedirection. When this rotation is sufficient to cause the cam roller 31to leave the cam surface 34 and to bear against the hump or corner 42intermediate the two cam surfaces 33 and 34, the force applied to thelatch bolt by the actuator, through the cam roller 31, is then no longerdirected along a line which passes through the pivotal axis of the latchbolt. Instead, the force is directed relatively to the left in Fig. 3,whereby an increasing counterclockwise torque is applied to the latchbolt. This force drives the latch bolt in a counterclockwise direction,the arm 24b bearing against the inner side of the keeper roller 15 anddrawing the door toward its closed position.

When the door has closely approached its closed position, the gasket 13being in contact or substantially in contact with the door frame 12, thecam roller 31 will have reached the right-hand portion of the camsurface 33. It will be noted that in this position the force applied bythe cam roller to this cam surface is nearly perpendicular to radiiemanating from the pivotal axis of the latch bolt. For this reason arelatively large movement of the cam roller 31 will produce a relativelysmall downward movement of the left-hand portion of the latch bolt. Inother words, a wedging action results from movement of the cam rolleralong the cam surface 33 whereby a constant and very substantial torquemagnification is obtained. This results in a substantial compression ofthe gasket 13 whereby an effective air seal is provided between the door11 and the door frame 12.

The extended cam surface 33 permits a substantial door closing movementof the latch bolt after the cam roller has engaged this cam surface,even though a substantial movement of the cam roller to the left, Fig.1, causes a relatively small counterclockwise movement of the latchbolt. Accordingly, the desired compression of the gasket 13 may beobtained without precise adjustment of the keeper roller 15 in adirection inwardly or outwardly of the door frame (vertically in Fig.1). In other words, if the gasket 13 contacts the door frame 12 just asthe cam roller 31 first engages the right-hand end of the cam surface33, the cam roller may move only half way along the cam surface 33before the gasket is adequately compressed. On the other hand, if theadjustment of the keeper roller 15 is such that the gasket 13 contactsthe door frame 12 only after the cam roller 31 has moved a substantialdistance along the cam surface 33, then the same compression of thegasket 13 may still be obtained by further movement of the cam roller tothe left along the cam surface 33. It may be seen then that the extendedcam surface 33 provides for a given, adequate compression of the sealinggasket 13 in spite of considerable tolerance in the location of thekeeper roller 15.

It will also be noted that the cam surface 34 is of substantial length.All portions of the cam surface 34 lie on a curved line which issubstantially peripheral of the pivotal axis of the latch bolt.Accordingly, the latch bolt is in cocked position any time that the camroller 31 engages any portion of the cam surface 34. This extended camsurface 34 permits substantial tolerance in the positioning of thekeeper roller 15 in a lateral direction as viewed in Fig. 1, as isexplained immediately below.

In a cocking latch bolt there are two characteristics essential tosuccessful operation. First, the latch bolt must reach cocked positionbefore the latch bolt is free of the keeper roller. This is necessary inorder to assure cocking of the latch at each opening operation.Secondly, and as a corollary, the latch bolt must be movable beyond theinitially cocked position in order to permit the latch bolt to clear thekeeper roller. The expedient most commonly employed in the prior art forobtaining these two features of operation is that of permitting thelatch mechanism to pass over center. That is, the actuator or otherspring biased device is stressed during the movement of the latch boltto initially cocked position, whereafter the spring biased device ispermitted to relax appreciably as the latch mechanism passes overcenter. Such an arrangement has the disadvantage that the spring biaseddevice must again be compressed appreciably to permit tripping of thelatch mechanism. Accordingly, substantial closing force is required.

In accordance with the present invention the latch mechanism ispermitted to move substantially beyond the initially cocked positionwhile permitting only a slight relaxation of the spring 27 Accordingly,only a very small closing force is required to trip the latch mechanism.it is, therefore, readily seen that the present invention as surescocking of the latch mechanism on each opening operation, it assuresthat the latch bolt may clear the keeper, and at the same time arelatively light closing force is required to trip the latch mechanism.All this is obtained 'Wl1l16 still permitting substantial tolerance inthe lateral adjustment of the keeper, that is, the permitted movement ofthe latch mechanism a substantial distance beyond its initially cockedposition assures that the latch mechanism will be cocked even though thekeeper roller 15 may be set substantially to the left of its idealposition and assures that the latch bolt may clear the keeper eventhough the keeper may be adjusted substantially to the right of itsoptimum position.

Because of the fact that the latch bolt moves well beyond its initiallycocked position there is little possibility that the latch mechanismwill be tripped when the door is open. Any reasonable jarring of thedoor while it is open will not cause tripping of the latch sincetripping requires that the cam roller 31 roll along the entire length ofthe cam surface 34. Preferably the latch bolt is urged in a clockwisedirection as by a spring 43, this spring being'very light as compared tothe spring 27. More spe cifically, the spring 43 need be only of suchstrength as to assure clockwise movement of the latch belt, aftercocking of the latch, such that the cam roller 31 will in fact roll tothe outer end of the cam surface 34 (the lower end in Fig. 1).

In the event that the latch bolt should be struck while the door isopen,such that the latch mechanism is tripped, the latch mechanism can berecocked simply by operation of the handle, that is, by pulling on thelink 35. In such case the spring 43 is depended upon to move the latchbolt into its cocked position when the actuator is moved to itsenergized position.

Another advantage of the embodiment of the invention so far described isthat there is relatively little noise caused by tripping the latch bolt.When the door is moved toward its closed position the arm 24a strikesthe keeper roller and bears against the surface thereof during thetripping of the latch mechanism. After the latch mechanism has beentripped the latch bolt is urged outwardly of the cabinet whereby thesurface of the arm 24b is caused to bear against the inner surface ofthe .keeper roller 15. Normally this operation results in a loudknocking noise which .is objectionable to the user and which is harmfulto the latch mechanism.

It is common practice to employ a relatively narrow slot, that is a slotwhich is only slightly larger than the ,keeper roller or other device tobe engaged by the latch bolt. This means that there is less room foracceleration of the latch bolt as it changes position after completionof the tripping operation. However, it is, of course, necessary that theslot be appreciably wider than the diameter of the keeper roller wherebythe undesired knocking noise remains. In accordance with the presentinvention the initial closing force applied to the latch bolt by thebolt actuator is very small. In other words, the arm 24b comes intocontact with the latch bolt roller '15 with relatively little appliedforce.

Another and perhaps more substantial knocking noise accompanies theclosing movement of most prior art latches. It is common practice toprovide a positive stop for a latch mechanism when it reaches its full,door-closing position. Such a stop may be a fixed member against whichthe latch bolt or the actuator strikes, or, in a latch mechanism similarto that disclosed in Figs. 13, a pocket is frequently provided on thelatch bolt in which the cam roller 31 seats itself at the end of theclosing movement of the latch mechanism. Frequently the latch mechanismreaches this fully closed position with substantial force and with aresultant knocking noise.

It will readily be seen that the elongated cam surface 33 permits thelatch mechanism to reach its fully closed position while the cam roller31 is still moving along this cam surface. Accordingly, it is thecompression of the gasket which limits the closing movement rather thanany positive stop against which some portion of the latch mechanismstrikes. Accordingly, this important cause of knocking is substantiallyeliminated in a latch mechanism constructed in accordance with theinvention.

In Fig. 4 a different embodiment of the invention is illustrated. Thisembodiment includes a keeper 115 similar to the keeper 15 of Figs. 1-3but being slotted to receive a latch bolt roller 124 rotatably mountedon a latch bolt 122. In this embodiment the latch bolt 122 is pivotedabout a horizontal pin 123, and an actuator 125, pivotally mounted on ahorizontal pin 126, is arranged to urge the latch bolt outwardly of thecabinet or in the direction of opening movement of the door. A helicalspring 127 bears against a flange 129 on the actuator, thereby to urgethe actuator in a clockwise direction.

A cam roller 131 is rotatably mounted on the actuator 125 and bearsagainst cam surfaces 133 and 134 on the inner edge of the latch bolt122. The latch mechanism is controlled by a rod 135 bearing against theflange 129. An operating handle, not shown in the drawings, may bearranged to bear against the outer end of the rod 135 when it ismanipulated by the operator.

It will be noted that the cam surface 133 is elongated and is sooriented as to provide a wedging action which greatly magnifies the doorclosing or gasket compressing forces. When the push rod 135 pivots theactuator 125 in a counterclockwise direction against the action of thespring 127, the cam roller 13.1 rides along the cam surface 133 andfinally engages the cam surface 134. The latch mechanism is then in itscocked position. When the door is nextclosed the latch bolt roller 124strikes against the portion of the keeper, whereupon the cam roller 131rolls off the cam surface 134 and bears against the cam surface 133 toclose the door.

This particular latch mechanism is arranged for foot pedal operation aswell as operation by a handle bearing against the push rod 135. For thispurpose an arm 145 is provided which is pivotally connected to theactuator through a pin 146. A slot 147 is provided in the arm whichencompasses the pivot pin 123 for the latch bolt. The left-hand end ofthe arm 145 extends through suitable openings in the door and in thecabinet. Suitable apparatus is provided within the cabinet which, whenoperated by a foot pedal, bears against the lefthand end of the arm 145and drives it outwardly. As may be readily seen in Fig. 4, this causesthe actuator 125 to pivot in a counterclockwise direction about the pin126 against the action of the spring 127.

The embodiment of the-invention disclosed in Fig. 5

includes a roller type of keeper 215 engageable by a slot 224 ina latchbolt 222, the latter being pivotally mounted on a pin 223. A boltactuator 225 is pivotally mounted on a pin 226 and is biased in acounterclockwise direction by a spring 227. A .cam roller 231 isarranged on the actuator 225 to cooperate with cam surfaces 233 and 234on the bolt 222. In this instance the cam surfaces partially define aslot in the latch bolt rather than constituting an edge of the latchbolt as in the previously described embodiments.

In this embodiment of the invention the latch mechanism is operable by asuitable handle and link, not shown in the drawings, which draw againsta flange 229 on the actuator 225. Again it will be seen that an extendedcam surface 233 is provided. This cam surface is so oriented as toprovide a wedging action when the cam roller 231 bears 'thereagainst.Also, this cam surface is extended whereby a substantial closingmovement of the latch bolt may be obtained even though theaforementioned wedging action produces a relatively small movement ofthe latch bolt for a given movement of the cam roller 231. Also, the camsurface 234 against which the cam roller 231 bears when the latchmechanism is in cocked position, is extended whereby the latch bolt maypivot substantially beyond the initial cocked position'withoutrelaxation of the main spring 227. The advantages of this constructionhave been fully explained above.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Fig. 6, the keeperagain includes a roller 315 which cooperates with a slot 324 in a latchbolt 322, the latter being pivotally mounted on a pin 323. An actuator325 is pivotally mounted on a pin 326 andis biased in a counterclockwisedirection by a spring 327.

Arranged on the actuator 325 is a cam roller 331 which cooperates withcam surfaces 333 and 33 on the latch bolt 322. As in the embodimentillustrated in Fig. 5, these cam surfaces partially define a slot in thelatch bolt rather than defining an outer surface thereof as in theembodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1-4.

This latch mechanism is operable by a suitable handle and push rod, notshown in the drawings, which may bear against a flange 329 of theactuator 325.

Again it will be seen that the cam surface 333 is so oriented that awedging action is provided between this cam surface and the cam roller331, and again this cam surface is extended whereby a substantialclosing movement of the latch bolt may be obtained even though thiswedging action produces a relatively small movement of the latch boltfor a given movement of the cam roller 331. The cam surface 334 is sooriented that when the cam roller 331 is in engagement therewith thelatch mechanism is cocked. Furthermore, the cam surface 334 is soextended that the latch bolt may move substantially beyond the initialcocked position, as in the previously described embodiments of theinvention.

The embodiment of the invention illustrated in Fig. 7 again includes akeeper rollerAlS which cooperates with a slot 52 4- in a latch belt 422,the latch bolt being pivotable about a pin 423. An actuator 425 ispivotable about a pin 426 and is biased in a counterclockwise directionby a spring 427. In this instance a spring guide 427a is provided.

A cam roller 431 is rotatably mounted on the actuator 425 and isarranged to cooperate with cam surfaces 433 and 434- on the latch bolt422. These cooperating cam elements are arranged in accordance with thegeneral principles of the present invention, described in detail inconnection with the previously described embodiments. In this embodimentof the invention the latch mechanism is operated by a link 435 connectedto the actuator by a pin 436. A suitable operating handle, not shown inthe drawings, is arranged to pull on the link 435 and pivot the actuatorin a clockwise direction, against the action of the spring 427. A slot437 is provided in the link 435 whereby the operating handle and thelink may return to their normal positions when the latch mechanism iscocked.

Each of the various embodiments of the invention shown in the drawingsand described above, has its own operating characteristics resultingfrom its own distinct and novel physical construction, which makes eachof these latch mechanisms particularly advantageous in differentapplications. Furthermore, the various embodiments illustrate theadaptability of the present invention to various forms of latchmechanisms.

It will be seen, for example, that the various embodiments disclosed inthe drawings and described above have cam surfaces of such orientationthat they permit a substantial magnification of the door closing orgasket com pressing force which emanates from the main latch spring. Atthe same time, these cam surfaces are of such length that in spite ofthe force magnification, and corresponding small movement of the latchbolt relative to the actuator, the latch bolt may nevertheless bepivoted through a substantial angle under the conditions of this forcemagnification.

Accordingly, the desired gasket compressing force may be obtained eventhough substantial latitude is permitted in the positioning of thekeeper in a direction inwardly and outwardly of the enclosure; that is,in the direction of initial opening movement of a hinged door on whichthe latch mechanism is mounted.

Furthermore, another cam surface or another portion of the same camsurface is, in each embodiment, so oriented as to permit cocking of thelatch mechanism and is of such length and so oriented that the latchbolt may move substantially beyond its initial cocked position whilepermitting only a slight relaxation or" the main latch spring, wherebyonly a small force is required to trip the latch mechanism. permitssubstantial latitude in the positioning of the keeper in a directionparallel to the door while still assuring the cocking of the latch ateach opening of the door, and while assuring that there will beclearance between the latch bolt and the keeper such that the door maybe opened.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown, it willbe understood, of course, that the invention is not limited theretosince many modifications may be made, and it is, therefore, contemplatedto cover by the appended claims any such modifications as fall withinthe true spirit and scope of the invention.

The invention having thus been described, what is claimed and desired tobe secured by Letters Patent is:

1. In a latch mechanism, a latch bolt pivotable between a keeperengaging position and a cocked position, a bolt actuator pivotablebetween a normal position and an energized position, spring means urgingsaid bolt actuator toward said normal position, and a pair ofcooperating cam elements, one of said elements being mounted on Thisfeature of the invention said latch bolt and the otheron said boltactuator, said bolt actuator when pivoting from said energized positionto said normal positionacting through saidcam elements to urge saidlatch bolt toward keeper engaging position, said bolt actuator whenpivoting from said normal position to said energized position permittingsaid latch bolt to pivot to said cocked position, said cam elementsbeing movable with said latch bolt and said bolt actuator along linessubstantially perpendicular to each other, one of said cam elementsbeing a cam roller and the other being a cam surface, said cam surfaceincluding a portion extending a substantial. distance. along a linedeviating minutely from concentricity with the orbit of said cam rollerand being engageable by said cam roller when said latch bolt is in saidkeeper engaging position and said bolt actuator is in said normalposition, said latch bolt being continually urged toward a finalkeeper-engaging position during the entire course of said cam rollerengagement with said cam surface portion, said cam surface including asecond portion extending a substantial distance along a linesubstantially radially of the orbit of said cam roller and beingengageable by said .cam roller when said latch bolt is in said cockedposition and said bolt actuator is in said energized position.

2. In a latch mechanism, a latch bolt pivotable between a keeperengaging position and a cocked position, a bolt actuator pivotablebetween a normal position and an energized position, spring means urgingsaid bolt actuator toward said normal position, and a pair ofcooperating cam elements, one of said elements being a cam surfacemounted on said latch bolt and the other a cam roller mounted on saidbolt actuator, said bolt actuator when pivoting from said energizedposition to said normal position acting through said cam elements tourge said latch bolt toward keeper engaging position, said bolt actuatorwhen pivoting from said normal position to said energized positionpermitting said latch bolt to pivot to said cocked position, said camelements being movable with said latch bolt and said bolt actuator alonglines substantially perpendicular to each other, said cam surfaceincluding a portion extending a substantial distance along a linedeviating minutely from concentricity with the orbit of said cam rollerand being engageable by said cam roller when said latch bolt is in saidkeeper engaging position and said bolt actuator is in said normalposition, said latch bolt being continually urged toward a finalkeeper-engaging position during the entire course of said cam rollerengagement with said cam surface portion, said cam surface including asecond portion extending a substantial distance substantiallycircumferentially about the pivotal axis of said latch bolt and beingengageable by said cam roller when said latch bolt is in said cockedposition and said bolt actuator is in said ener ized position.

3. In a latch mechanism, a latch bolt pivotable between a keeperengaging position and a cocked position, a bolt actuator pivotablebetween a normal position and an energized position, spring means urgingsaid bolt actuator toward said normal position, and a pair ofcooperating cam elements, one of said elements being a cam surfacemounted on said latch bolt and the other a cam roller mounted on saidbolt actuator, said bolt actuator when pivoting from said energizedposition to said normal position acting through said cam elements tourge said latch bolt toward keeper engaging position, said bolt actuatorwhen pivoting from said normal position to said energized positionpermitting said latch bolt to pivot to said. cocked position, said camelements being movable with said latch bolt and said bolt actuator alonglines substantially perpendicular to each other, said cam surfaceincluding a portion extending a substantial distance along a linedeviating minutely from concentricity with the orbit of said cam rollerand being engageable by said cam roller when said latch bolt is in saidkeeper engaging position and said bolt actuator is in said normalposition, said latch bolt being continually urged toward a finalkeeperaxis of said latch bolt and being engageable by .saidcamroller-when said latch bolt is in said cocked position and said boltactuator is in said energized position, the end of said first mentionedportion of said cam surface adjacent said second men-tionedportion beingcloser than the other end of said first mentioned portion to the pivotalaxis ofsaid bolt actuator when said latch bolt is in said keeperengaging position.

4. In a latch mechanism for mounting near the free edge of a door hingedon a cabinet, a latch bolt pivotable between a keeper engaging positionand a cocked position and having a keeper engaging portion, the pivotalaxis of said latch bolt being arranged substantially directly toward thehinged edge of such doorrelative to said keeper engaging portion whensaid latch bolt is in said keeper engaging position, said latch bolthaving a cam surface defining the edge thereof inwardly with respect tosuch cabinet, a bolt actuator pivotable between a normal position and anenergized position and having a cam roller for cooperating with said.cam surface, the pivotal axis of said bolt actuator being arrangedsubstantially directly outwardly of said cam roller with respect to suchcabinet when said bolt actuator is in said normal position, said camroller rolling along said cam surface toward the hinged edge of suchdoor when saidbolt actuator pivots from said normal position to saidenergized position and .thereby permitting said latch bolt tolpivotinwardly from said keeper engaging position to said cocked position,said cam rollerrolling along said cam surface away from the hinged edgeof such door when said bolt actuator pivots from said energized positionto said normal position and thereby forcing said latch bolt to pivotoutwardly from saidcOcked position to said keeper engaging position, andspring means biasing said bolt actuator from said energized positiontoward said normal position, said cam surface including a portionextending a substantial distance substantially circumferentially aboutthe pivotal axis of said bolt actuator and being engageable by said camroller when said latch bolt is in said keeper engaging position and saidactuator is in said normal position, said cam surface including a secondportion extending a subjstantial distance substantiallycircumferentially about the pivotal axis of said latch bolt and beingengageable by said cam roller when said latch bolt is in said cockedposition and said bolt actuator is in said energized position.

5. In alatch mechanism for mounting near the free edge of a door hingedon a cabinet, a latch bolt pivotable between a keeper engaging positionand a cocked position and having a keeper engaging portion, the pivotalaxis of said latch bolt being arranged substantially directly downwardlyofsaid keeper engaging portion when said latch bolt is in said keeperengaging position, said latch bolt having a cam surface defining theedge thereof inwardly with respect to such cabinet, a bolt actuatorpivotable between a normal position and an energized position and havinga cam roller for cooperating with said cam surface, the pivotal axis ofsaid bolt actuator being arranged substantially directly outwardly ofsaid cam roller with respect to such cabinet when said bolt actuator isin said normal position, said cam "rollerrolling downwardly along saidcam surface when'said bolt actuator pivots from said normal position tosaid energized position and thereby permitting said latch bolt to pivotinwardly from said keeper engaging position to said cocked position,said cam roller rolling upwardly along said cam surface when said boltactuator pivots from said energized position to said normal position andthereby forcing said latch bolt to pivot outwardly from said cockedposition to said keeper engaging position, and spring means biasing saidbolt actuator from said energized position toward said normal position,said cam surface including a portion 10 extending a substantial distancesubstantially circumferentially about the pivotal axis of said boltactuator and being engageablebysaid cam roller ,when said latch. bolt isinsaid keeper engaging position and said actuator is in said normalposition, said cam surface including a second portion extending asubstantial distance substantially circumferentially about the pivotalaxis of said latch bolt and being engageable by said cam roller whensaid latch bolt is in said cocked position and said bolt actuator is insaid energized position.

6. In a latch mechanism for mounting near the free edge of a door hingedon a cabinet, a latch bolt pivotable between a keeper engaging positionand a cocked position and having a keeper engaging portion, the pivotalaxisof said latch bolt being arranged substantially directly downwardlyof said keeper engaging portion when said latch bolt is in said keeperengaging position, said latch bolt having a cam surface defining theedge thereof inwardly with respect to such cabinet, a bolt actuatorpivotable between a normal position and an energized position and havinga cam roller for cooperating with said cam surface, the pivotal axis ofsaid bolt actuator being arranged substantially directly outwardly ofsaid cam roller with respect to such cabinet when said bolt actuator isin said normal position, said cam roller rolling downwardly along saidcam surface when said bolt actuator pivots from said normal position tosaid energized position and thereby permitting said latch bolt to pivotinwardly from said keeper engaging position to said cocked position,said cam roller rolling upwardly along said cam surface when said boltactuator pivots from said energized position to said normal position andthereby forcing said latch bolt to pivot outwardly from said cockedposition to said keeper engaging position, spring means biasing saidbolt actuator from said energized position toward said normal position,said cam surface including a portion extending a substantial distancesubstantially circumferentially about the pivotal axis of said boltactuator and being engage able by said cam roller when said latch boltis in said keeper engaging position and said actuator is in said normalposition, said cam surface including a second portion extending asubstantial distance substantially circumferentially about the pivotalaxis of said latch bolt and being engageable by said .cam roller whensaid latch bolt is in said cocked position and said bolt actuator isin'said energizedposition, and link means pivotally connected to saidbolt actuator at a point below the pivotal axis of said bolt actuatorandextending through openings in such door and such cabinet to aposition wherein it may be pushed outwardly by foot pedal apparatus topivot said bolt actuator from said normal position to said energizedposition.

7. In a latch mechanism for mounting near the free edge of a door hingedon a.cabinet,.a latch bolt pivotable between a keeper engaging positionand a cocked position and having a keeper engaging portion, the pivotalaxis of said latch bolt being arranged relative to said keeper engagingportion outwardly with respect to such cabinet and toward the hingededge of such door when said latch bolt is in said keeper engagingposition, said latch bolt having a cam surface partially defining a slottherein, a bolt actuator pivotable between a normal position and anenergized position and having a cam roller for cooperating with said camsurface, the pivotal axis of said bolt actuator beingarrangedasubstantially directly outwardly of said cam roller withrespect 'to such cabinet when said bolt actuator is in said normalposition, said cam roller rolling along said cam surface outwardly andtoward the hinged edge of such door when said bolt actuator pivots fromsaid normal position to said energized position and thereby permittingsaid latch bolt to pivot inwardly from said keeper engaging position tosaid cocked position, said cam roller rolling along said cam surfaceinwardly and away from the hinged edge of such door when said boltactuator pivots from said energized position to said normal position andthereby forcing said latch bolt to pivot outwardly from said cockedpositionto said keeper en gaging position, and spring means biasing saidbolt actuator from said energized position toward said normal position,said cam surface including a portion extending a substantial distancesubstantially circumferentially about the pivotal axis of said boltactuator and being engageable by said cam roller when said latch bolt isin said keeper engaging position and said actuator is in said normalposition, said cam surface including a second portion extending :asubstantial distance substantially circumferentially about the pivotalaxis of said latch bolt and being engageable by said cam roller whensaid latch bolt is in said cocked position and said bolt actuator is insaid energized position.

8. In a latch mechanism for mounting near the free edge of a door hingedon a cabinet, a latch bolt pivotable between a keeper engaging positionand a cocked position and having a keeper engaging portion, the pivotalaxis of said latch bolt being arranged substantially directly toward thehinged edge of such door relative to said keeper engaging portion whensaid latch bolt is in said keeper engaging position, said latch bolthaving a cam surface partially defining a slot therein, a bolt actuatorpivotable between a normal position and an energized position and havinga cam roller for cooperating with said cam surface, the pivotal axis ofsaid bolt actuator being arranged relative to said cam rollersubstantially directly toward the hinged edge of such door when saidbolt actuator is in said normal position, said cam roller rollinginwardly with respect to such cabinet along said cam surface when saidbolt actuator pivots from said normal position to said energizedposition and thereby permitting said latch bolt to pivot inwardly fromsaid keeper engaging position to said cocked position, said cam rollerrolling outwardly along said cam surface when said bolt actuator pivotsfrom said energized position to said normal position and thereby forcingsaid latch bolt to pivot outwardly from said cocked position to saidkeeper engaging position, and spring means biasing said bolt actuatorfrom said energized position toward said normal position, said camsurface including a portion extending a substantial distancesubstantially circumferentially about the pivotal axis of said boltactuator and being engageable by said cam roller when said latch. boltis in said keeper engaging position and said actuator is in said normalposition, said latch bolt being continually urged toward a finalkeeper-engaging position during the entire course of said cam rollerengagement with said cam surface portion, said cam surface including asecond portion extending a substantial distance substantiallycircumferentially about the pivotal axis of said latch bolt and beingengageable by said cam roller when said latch bolt is in said cockedposition and said bolt actuator is in said energized position.

9. In a latch mechanism for mounting near the free edge of a door hingedon a cabinet, a latch bolt pivotable between a keeper engaging positionand a cocked position and having a keeper engaging portion, the pivotalaxis of said latch bolt being arranged substantially directly toward thehinged edge of such door relative to said keeper engaging portion whensaid latch bolt is in said keeper engaging position, said latch bolthaving a cam surface partially defining a slot therein, a bolt actuatorpivotable between a normal position and an .energized position andhaving a cam roller for cooperating with said cam surface, the pivotalaxis of said bolt actuator being arranged relative to said earn rolleroutwardly with respect to such cabinet and toward the hinged edge ofsuch door when said bolt actuator is in said normal position, said camroller rolling along said cam surface toward the hinged edge of suchdoor-when said bolt actuator pivots from said normal position to saidenergized position and thereby permitting said latch'bolt to pivotinwardly from said keeper engaging position to said cocked position,said cam roller rolling along said cam surface away from the hinged edgeof such door when said bolt actuator pivots from said energized positionto said normal position and thereby forcing said latch bolt to pivotoutwardly from said cocked position to said keeper engaging position,and spring means biasing said bolt actuator from said energized positiontoward said normal position, said cam surface including a portionextending a substantial distance substantially circumferentially aboutthe pivotal axis of said bolt actuator and being engageable by said camroller when said latch bolt is in said keeper engaging position and saidactuator is in said normal position, said cam surface including a secondportion extending a substantial distance substantially circumferentiallyabout the pivotal axis of said latch bolt and being engageable by saidcam roller when said latch bolt is in said cocked position and said boltactuator is in said energized position.

10. In a latch mechanism, a latch bolt pivotable between a keeperengaging position and a cocked position, a bolt actuator pivotablebetween a normal position and an energized position, spring means urgingsaid bolt actuator toward said normal position, and a pair ofcooperating cam elements, one of said elements being mounted on saidlatch bolt and the other on said bolt actuator, said bolt actuator whenpivoting from said energized position to said normal position actingthrough said cam elements to urge said latch bolt toward keeper engagingposition, said bolt actuator when pivoting from said normal position tosaid energized position permitting said latch bolt to pivot to saidcocked position, said cam elements being movable with said latch boltand said bolt actuator along lines substantially perpendicular to eachother, one of said cam elements being a cam roller and the other being acam surface, said cam surface including a portion extending asubstantial distance along a line which is substantially circumferentialabout the pivotal axis of said bolt actuator and being engageable bysaid cam roller when said latch bolt is in said keeper engaging positionand said bolt actuator is in said normal position, said latch bolt beingcontinually urged toward a final keeper-engaging position during theentire course of said cam roller engagement with said cam surfaceportion, said cam surface including a second portion extending asubstantial distance along a line which is substantially circumferentialabout the pivotal axis of said latch bolt and being engageable by saidcam roller when said latch bolt is in said cocked position and said boltactuator is in said energized position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS GreatBritain Oct. 20, 1949

